KCCA has distanced itself from the latest demolition of part of St. Balikudembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market.
The market was demolished on Saturday night under unclear circumstances, sparking concern among traders and city authorities.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 p.m. on March 7, 2026, when unidentified individuals reportedly descended on a structure forming part of the busy market and began demolishing it without authorization.
In a statement on Sunday, KCCA said it never cleared the molition which affected the structure located at the boundary of the Nakivubo Channel along Sebana Road.
“This reckless demolition, carried out under the cover of darkness, was done without obtaining a demolition permit from the City Authority,” KCCA said.
The authority added that it had immediately moved in to assess the situation and salvage what remains of the structure.
“KCCA, in collaboration with sister agencies, is actively working to salvage what remains of the structure and ensure that those responsible for this destruction of a public good are brought to book,” the statement further read.
Police have since arrested the operators of two machines that were being used in the demolition, and investigations into the incident have commenced.
Owino, is one of Kampala’s largest and busiest markets, hosting thousands of traders dealing in clothes, foodstuffs, and other merchandise.
